After a somewhat surprisingly intense Miami Grand Prix, Formula One returns to Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Lando Norris getting the best of Max Verstappen and Red Bull has been all the buzz since Miami, but can Mclaren's pace seep into Italy at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix? However, the British team's return to the top step of the podium is just one of many storylines in the lead-up to the race at the famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
Imola, Variente Villenueve
With the announcement of his contract extension, Albon has squashed the rumour that he will fill the now-vacant Mercedes seat left by Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
James Vowles, Williams Team Principal said: "We are delighted to secure Alex's long-term future with Williams Racing. He has exceptional talent, technical input and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are on."
George Russell, Miami 2024. Image Credit: Mercedes AMG F1
Contrary to the results, Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin further explained that the parts performed as expected in Miami:
"We managed to pull forward about half of our update kit to Miami and then the other half is going to arrive in Imola, and we are working hard on the future races to try and bring developments to them as well."
Heading to Imola, the papaya squad will be looking to carry their momentum onwards and upwards. Could Norris really challenge Verstappen and Red Bull at the front? Could Piastri be in the picture to stifle the Red Bulls further?
Newey admitted he is “seriously considering changing teams, going somewhere else and doing another four or five years.” But what we want to know is who he will go to. Ferrari? Mercedes? Aston Martin? Let us know where you think Newey will end up come 2025.
Adrian Newey, Miami 2024. Image Credit: Red Bull / Getty Images
(All times UTC)
Friday 17 May
Let us know who you will be supporting with our poll above or down in the comments below! Remember to check us out on X @OverTake.gg.
Lando Norris getting the best of Max Verstappen and Red Bull has been all the buzz since Miami, but can Mclaren's pace seep into Italy at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix? However, the British team's return to the top step of the podium is just one of many storylines in the lead-up to the race at the famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
Imola, Variente Villenueve
Alex Albon Commits To Williams
One of the headline stories coming out of the F1 paddock before this weekend's Grand Prix is that Alex Albon has extended his contract at Williams. The exact number of seasons is currently unknown, however, a 'Multi-year' deal solidifies the Thai driver's presence on the F1 grid for the near future.With the announcement of his contract extension, Albon has squashed the rumour that he will fill the now-vacant Mercedes seat left by Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
James Vowles, Williams Team Principal said: "We are delighted to secure Alex's long-term future with Williams Racing. He has exceptional talent, technical input and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are on."
Mercedes' Upgrade Issues
Just before the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Mercedes launched its first step towards boosting their cars up to the front of the grid once again. However, this first step in their two-step process was fairly unsuccessful. Heading into Imola this weekend, the Silver Arrows need to work out what blunted their progress in Miami.George Russell, Miami 2024. Image Credit: Mercedes AMG F1
Contrary to the results, Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin further explained that the parts performed as expected in Miami:
"We managed to pull forward about half of our update kit to Miami and then the other half is going to arrive in Imola, and we are working hard on the future races to try and bring developments to them as well."
Can Mclaren Capitalise?
History was made in Miami as Lando Norris took his maiden Grand Prix victory. Nonetheless, Verstappen still has a considerable 33-point lead in the drivers’ championship over his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Pérez, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third following another podium for the Monégasque in Miami.Heading to Imola, the papaya squad will be looking to carry their momentum onwards and upwards. Could Norris really challenge Verstappen and Red Bull at the front? Could Piastri be in the picture to stifle the Red Bulls further?
Adrian Newey's Future
Adrian Newey does not rule out joining another F1 team after he leaves Red Bull next year. The 65-year-old engineering staple is set to depart the team at the end of this season. But retirement is not beckoning to him just yet.Newey admitted he is “seriously considering changing teams, going somewhere else and doing another four or five years.” But what we want to know is who he will go to. Ferrari? Mercedes? Aston Martin? Let us know where you think Newey will end up come 2025.
Adrian Newey, Miami 2024. Image Credit: Red Bull / Getty Images
2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Schedule
(All times UTC)
Friday 17 May
- Free practice 1: 11:30
- Free practice 2: 15:00
- Free practice 3: 10:30
- Qualifying: 14:00
- Race: 15:00
Let us know who you will be supporting with our poll above or down in the comments below! Remember to check us out on X @OverTake.gg.
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